Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near North Aurora Illinois
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist school near North Aurora IL is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. Picking the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the right way to make your decision. There are other crucial factors to take into account also, including the school's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and in support of the North Aurora IL practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in North Aurora IL dental practices are normally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program can be a great option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the convenience of your North Aurora IL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right option for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in North Aurora IL, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online alternatives also. Although these are significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. North Aurora IL employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local North Aurora IL dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are considering have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the North Aurora IL dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the North Aurora IL dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the North Aurora IL area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near North Aurora IL at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in North Aurora
Enroll in the Right North Aurora Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in North Aurora Illinois.
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